tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73968908303264590872017-07-29T04:37:03.927-05:00Habeas Craft-UsOr, How I Spend My Free TimeMargarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-56676240344859086442011-03-25T14:23:00.003-05:002011-03-25T14:42:22.444-05:00Faux Mercury Glass Lamp = WINNING!Nothing like a successful craft project to make you feel like a complete genius. <div><br /></div><div>For your consideration, I present the completed Faux Mercury Glass Lamp:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GyM-DzDY7rA/TYzsS9tBLlI/AAAAAAAAAf0/BvA7FgZRPvU/s400/DSC04063.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588101048205127250" /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-87167499194982815802011-03-24T15:12:00.010-05:002011-03-25T14:42:32.125-05:00How to Mummify A Lamp<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>Just Kidding: How to Make a $40 Glass Lamp Look Like a $250 Mercury Glass Lamp</b></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>The Project:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In my quest for affordable and chic home decor, I ran across </span><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/mercury-glass-lamp-burlap-shade/?pkey=ctable-bedside-lamps"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a lamp on the Pottery Barn website</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. A beautiful lamp. A "mercury glass" lamp. For those of you who don't know what "mercury glass" is (which was me approximately 3 days ago), it is "glass that was blown double-walled, then silvered between the layers with a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">liquid silvering solution, and sealed." (Thank you, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_glass"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wikipedia</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.) There is absolutely no way I could ever afford a real mercury glass lamp. So, I got to thinking...could I MAKE a mercury glass lamp? Not a real one, of course. My glass-blowing skills fell by the wayside when I started law school. (Sarcasm. I've never been THAT crafty.)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I did some searching around on the internet and found a simple method for faking mercury glass explained by none other than Martha Stewart. Martha, I salute you. You may just be a genius.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Materials:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.target.com/Accent-Lamp-Base-Clear/dp/B0040PXDQY/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&amp;searchView=grid5&amp;keywords=glass%20lamp&amp;fromGsearch=true&amp;sr=1-16&amp;qid=1300998312&amp;rh=&amp;searchRank=target104545&amp;id=Accent%20Lamp%20Base%20Clear&amp;node=1038576%7C1287991011&amp;searchSize=30&amp;searchPage=9&amp;searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&amp;searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&amp;frombrowse=0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Glass lamp from Target</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> ($40)</span></li><li><a href="http://www.target.com/Home-Mix-Match-Lamp-Shade/dp/B004DEEAVE/ref=br_1_8?ie=UTF8&amp;id=Home%20Mix-%20-Match%20Lamp%20Shade&amp;node=13361081&amp;searchSize=30&amp;searchView=grid5&amp;searchPage=1&amp;sr=1-8&amp;qid=1300998378&amp;rh=&amp;searchBinNameList=target_com_category-bin%2Cstyle_name%2Cmaterial_type%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin&amp;searchRank=salesrank&amp;frombrowse=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Burlap-style lamp shade from Target</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> ($14) (remember that the lamp I'm trying to replicate was paired with a burlap shade)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spray bottle filled with water (i.e., what I use to discipline my dog...)</span></li><li><a href="http://krylon.com/products/looking_glass_mirror_like_paint"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Krylon Looking Glass Mirror-Like Spray Paint</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (can be found at </span><a href="http://hobbylobby.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hobby Lobby</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Painter's tape for delicate surfaces</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 trash bags</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Newspaper for outdoor work surface</span></li></ul><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gduswzqSZeQ/TYut8utVaoI/AAAAAAAAAfk/hH5RuwwDXic/s400/DSC04059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587751021525166722" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>The original method (that can be used on any kind of glass surface) can be found at </i></span><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/instant-antique-candleholders"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Martha Stewart's website</i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>.</i></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Unscrew metal lamp base from glass part of lamp. The base won't totally unscrew, but there will be enough of an opening for you to spray paint the lamp's interior.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cover all exposed areas of electrical cord inside lamp THOROUGHLY with painter's tape. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wrap 1 trash bag around exterior of lamp, and use painter's tape to secure it. Use painter's tape to cover ANY exterior surfaces of the lamp that remain exposed</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wrap second trash bag around lamp's electrical cord. Secure with painter's tape so that no area of cord remains exposed. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cover outdoor workspace with newspaper to protect it.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Use water spray bottle to lightly spray the INTERIOR of the glass lamp (see why we're covering all exposed wires??). The water will make the paint mottled and give it the antique-y mercury glass look. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Use "mirror" spray paint to lightly spray the INTERIOR of the glass lamp.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Leave the metal lamp base detached from the glass body of the lamp and allow the interior of the lamp to dry overnight. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Repeat steps 6-8 if the result is too sheer.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Once the mirror finish paint has dried, and if you're feeling especially daring, you can spray a LITTLE more water and VERY VERY LIGHTLY spray gold metallic spray paint in the interior of the lamp. Older mercury glass sometimes has a little gold in it. </span></li></ol><div><b>After step 3 and before step 4, your lamp will look a lot like a mummy:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCWzl1boy4k/TYutWriyPuI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Rvnmei_fqGU/s400/DSC04057.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587750367840583394" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Photo of lamp after Step 8:</b></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHserWgVJ_E/TYzDhikclVI/AAAAAAAAAfs/zvrGCvsJFGs/s400/IMG00001-20110324-2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588056218642715986" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Helpful Tip: </div><div><br /></div><div>If paint does get on the outside of the glass or on the metal parts of the lamp (or if you're using this method to make mercury glass out of a candle holder or vase, don't like the way it looks, and want to start over), a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will get the spray paint off of the glass in no time at all. It really is a "magic" eraser. </div></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-89623525087494745452011-03-24T14:45:00.006-05:002011-03-25T14:42:43.182-05:00Sometimes We're All Just a Little "Winning"Thank you, Charlie Sheen, for giving me a new word for the year. Last year's word was "fail." This year's word is "winning!" I like it: nothing you do can possibly be wrong or a failure - you're just "winning" in a different way. <div><br /></div><div>Here are some good examples:</div><div><ol><li>I don't fail at blogging because I haven't updated this thing in a couple of months. I'm just "winning" at doing other things. </li><li>I don't fail at being a good law student. I'm just "winning" at being more like a normal person (which, obviously, is the antithesis of a law student). </li></ol><div>Take that as my "I'm a rock star from Mars" version of an apology for not being more consistent with my craft blogging. </div><div><br /></div><div>So - ready to hear what I've been up to? (It's not nearly as exciting as you think it's going to be.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not actually sure. Time-wasting. Spending time with friends. Doing minimal studying. </div><div><br /></div><div>The main thing that's consuming my thoughts right now is: decorations for my new apartment that I'll be moving into in May! (If you guessed that"federal courts," "security devices," or "insurance bad faith penalties" was consuming my thoughts, clearly you were wayyyy off base...)</div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, I want my new apartment to look like a <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/?cm_type=gnav">Pottery Barn</a> catalog exploded on it. One problem: Pottery Barn is way out of my price range. My creative solution has been to find items I like on the Pottery Barn website and then scour the internet for a comparable and AFFORDABLE alternative. </div><div><br /></div><div>My two best finds so far:</div><div>(sorry - no photos, because that would probably be copyright infringement)</div><div><ul><li>Ironwork and glass coffee table: compare the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mendocino-Coffee-Table/10825375?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&amp;ci_src=14110944&amp;ci_sku=10825375">WalMart version</a> ($79) to the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tanner-coffee-table/?pkey=ccoffee-tables">Pottery Barn version</a> ($399)</li><li>Spotlight-style "task lamp": compare the <a href="http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/688083/Realspace-Spotlight-Style-Desk-Lamp-22/">Office Depot version </a>($35) to the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/photographers-task-table-lamp/?pkey=ctask-lamps">Pottery Barn version</a> ($99)</li></ul></div><div>In my next few posts, you can look forward to some home decor-related crafts, particularly crafts involving spray paint, chalkboard paint, and/or mason jars.</div><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-42278597557554709692011-01-19T23:04:00.004-06:002011-01-19T23:14:19.073-06:00Diamonds In Squares<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Project: </span></b><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A detailed design by my favorite cross-stitch pattern designer, Teresa Wentzler. I like that the pattern features a few specialty stitches and beads, and I LOVE the juxtaposition of geometric shapes and a floral motif. Not sure what I'll do with the finished product. A throw pillow, maybe? </span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>My Progress So Far:</b></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TTfEaRuvUiI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/-7wDKCAeglc/s400/DSC03898.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564131820354621986" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Other Comments:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In addition to this pattern, I also bought myself the Teresa Wentzler patterns for miniature Spring, Autumn, and Winter samplers. They feature cut-outs, numerous specialty stitches and beading, and all kinds of neat, new techniques I'm dying to try. But I have to finish this project first before I can work on those. I'd already bought the embroidery floss for Diamonds in Squares, so it had to come first<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Of course, I also have to fini</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sh that wedding sampler. And a couple of knitting projects. And law school. And the MPRE. And the bar exam. In short, my calendar is full and my craft bins runneth over.</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-18394636389871752822011-01-19T22:38:00.004-06:002011-01-19T23:03:07.736-06:00Recipe: "Old-Fashioned Penicillin"<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Description:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> I have a cold. I found this recipe in a Lake Charles Junior League cookbook, one of the many cookbooks in my mom's stash, and copied it down mainly because of the recipe name and description. It was called "Old-Fashioned Penicillin" and the instructions said that it could be served to treat sore throats, coughs, colds, and other similar complaints. This "medicine" is really just a clear, homemade chicken broth-type soup that can be sipped out of a coffee or soup cup. The recipe suggested making some to freeze, thawing it as needed when you or another person gets sick. I thought that was a great idea and decided I'd need to do that just in case I ever got this year's cold. Of course, I never got around to that during the first week I was back this semester. At the beginning of week 2, I woke up unable to speak. Time for some old-fashioned, homemade "medicine" in addition to my OTC remedies. I made the soup this evening and sipped it from my coffee cup. Worked wonders on my sore throat. So, enough chatter. Here's the recipe. </span><div><br /><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Servings</span></b>: 8-10</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Ingredients:</span></b></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 (4-5 lb.) young hen</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 quarts water</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tbs salt</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 whole onion</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 bay leaf</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 carrots, peeled</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4 tops of celery ribs</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">white pepper, to taste</span></li></ul><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Directions:</span></b></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wash hen thoroughly and trim off excess fat. Cut into halves or quarters and place in salted water in a deep heavy pot or kettle. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cover; bring to a boil on high heat. Uncover and reduce to low heat. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Add onion, bay leaf, carrots, and celery tops. Simmer until hen is tender (about 3 hours). Season to taste. Skim when necessary. Add extra water if needed. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When done, remove hen and save meat for use in another recipe. Discard all vegetables. Strain soup until clear. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When cooled, refrigerate for a few hours until fat has formed on top surface. Skim fat. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Freeze soup in containers until ready to use. </span></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>My Rating</b></span>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4/5</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> - soothed my sore throat without the hassle of having to chew noodles or chicken! I rated it a 4, though, because it takes so long to make!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Notes:</span></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You won't really want to make this soup when you're already sick. Trust me. Make it ahead of time. When you're sick, you can settle down with a box of Kleenex and a cup of soup, congratulating yourself for being prepared. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Soup</span></b></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TTfBTfQPGsI/AAAAAAAAAfI/GT6a3u6iWzE/s400/DSC03894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564128405190810306" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Another Old-Fashioned Remedy:</b></span> bright, cheerful flowers, preferably brought to you by someone special (as mine were)</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TTfBTJS2C-I/AAAAAAAAAfA/bcISyQZNwm4/s400/DSC03901_edited-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564128399296170978" /></div></div></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-22122795277020852792011-01-18T17:26:00.006-06:002011-01-18T17:51:42.824-06:00Recipe: Shredded Pork Sandwiches<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Description:</span></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Not too spicy, not too sweet, and not too complicated. The recipe serves 10, but don't worry - the man in your life will ask for seconds. </span><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Servings: </span></b>10</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4 lbs boneless pork loin roast</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 can (14.5 oz.) beef broth</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/3 c. plus 1/2 c. Worcestershire sauce, divided</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 tbs. plus 1 tbs. Louisiana hot sauce, divided</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 c. ketchup</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 c. molasses</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 c. prepared yellow mustard</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10 kaiser rolls, split (or hamburger buns)</span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cut roast in half; place in a 5-qt. slow-cooker.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In a small bowl, combine the broth, 1/3 c. Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tbs. pepper sauce. Pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until pork is tender.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Remove pork; shred with 2 forks. Drain and discard cooking liquid. Return shredded pork to slow-cooker. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For sauce, combine the ketchup, molasses, mustard, and the remaining Worcestershire sauce and pepper sauce. Stir together with a whisk until smooth. Pour over pork. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cover and cook on high for 30 min until heated through. Serve on rolls or hamburger buns. </span></li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My Rating: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5/5 - I loved the way this tasted (and LOVED hearing my cooking compared to <a href="http://www.hickorystick.com/">The Hickory Stick</a>, haha!)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Notes</b></span>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Can make sauce ahead of time and store in refrigerator to pour over pork after it's been shredded. I served these sandwiches with Zapp's "Voodoo Gumbo" potato chips, which was a great combination. </span><br /><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-60614333716856288742010-12-22T10:52:00.002-06:002010-12-22T11:01:03.294-06:00Painting With a Twist<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Knowing that I love to paint and never have the opportunity to, a very thoughtful person made plans for us to go to Shreveport's Painting With A Twist. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here are our paintings of snowy winter trees. Mine is the one on the left with the big fluffy leaves. His is the one on the right with the realistically bare branches. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TRIut5_cRGI/AAAAAAAAAes/el412r3mc_w/s400/DSC03891.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553552656697148514" /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-17144158293763807702010-12-22T10:50:00.001-06:002010-12-22T10:51:24.929-06:00Previously Completed Project: Seashells<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TRIsiM7Cl8I/AAAAAAAAAek/0cg4R7qfn2Q/s1600/DSC03890.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TRIsiM7Cl8I/AAAAAAAAAek/0cg4R7qfn2Q/s400/DSC03890.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553550256597276610" /></a>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-42064352620139709322010-12-22T10:49:00.001-06:002010-12-22T10:50:49.709-06:00Previously Completed Project: Time Flies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TRIsYKn3D5I/AAAAAAAAAec/6p_kjRQJEw4/s1600/DSC03889.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TRIsYKn3D5I/AAAAAAAAAec/6p_kjRQJEw4/s400/DSC03889.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553550084181266322" /></a>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-6814508369976005362010-12-21T12:39:00.001-06:002010-12-21T12:40:32.158-06:00Photography<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I finally figured out how to use the "pages" feature on blogger and made</span><a href="http://habeascraftus.blogspot.com/p/photography.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> this photography page</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> with some of my favorite photos that I've taken.</span>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-7718197279373506732010-12-21T10:42:00.004-06:002010-12-21T11:22:54.540-06:00Recipe: Chex Mix<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Description:</b></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I created this recipe myself by combining and altering three different versions of the traditional Chex mix recipe I found online to better suit my taste. I hope you enjoy it!</span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Creating the Recipe:</b></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My Mamaw used to make the most wonderful homemade Chex mix for the holidays. In the past few years, however, it's been too much work for her, so we've been eating the commercial Chex Mix. As anyone who's ever had homemade Chex mix knows, the homemade mix is ALWAYS better than the commercial stuff. I asked my mom to get Mamaw's Chex mix recipe for me, but it turned out that Mamaw always used the recipe on the Chex cereal boxes. I looked at the recipes provided by Chex and knew that I would have to alter them. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Firstly, the microwave directions would have to go. I just can't imagine Chex mix tasting good after having been microwaved. After a few searches online, I found a Chex mix recipe with directions for baking it in the oven. Perfect. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next, I decided to omit the Wheat Chex. Remembering that I always used to leave a small collection of Wheat Chex in my bowls, I decided that it would be silly of me to include an ingredient that I obviously don't like. Instead, I added an extra cup of Rice Chex, an extra cup of Corn Chex, and an extra cup of bagel chips. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My good friend Margaret M. is also a Chex mix chef, and she mentioned that her self-created recipe didn't taste quite right until she added Tony Chachere's to the seasonings. I therefore omitted 1/2 tsp of the seasoned salt and added 1/2 tsp of Tony Chachere's. Turns out, this was the perfect amount of Tony's - just enough spiciness but not too much. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I also altered the type of nuts used in the Chex mix. I originally bought a can of mixed nuts to use in the mix, like the original recipe said to use. Upon opening the can, however, I discovered that some of the nuts included in the mix had flavors which wouldn't "mesh well" (sadly, using that phrase just gave me a flashback to the movie Clueless) with the rest of the mix (e.g., macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, etc.). So, instead of using the original 1 c. of mixed nuts, I used 1/3 cup each of 3 types of nuts that I thought would go well with the Chex mix: peanuts, cashews, and almonds. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Finally, I increased the amount of butter from 6 tbs to an entire stick (8 tbs) of butter. This alteration was made after finishing my first batch, when I decided that there hadn't been enough liquid to coat all of the pieces. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Servings:</b></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lasts just a little longer than a week in a 3 person, Chex-mix-loving household</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4 c. Corn Chex cereal</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4 c. Rice Chex cereal</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 c. bite-sized bagel chips</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1.5 c. bite-sized pretzels</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/3 c. peanuts</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/3 c. cashews</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/3 c. almonds</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 stick butter</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 tbs. Worcestershire sauce</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tsp seasoned salt</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 tsp Tony Chachere's </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3/4 tsp. garlic powder (NOT garlic salt!!)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 tsp. onion powder</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In small microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in microwave (about 40 seconds on high). Mix in Worcestershire sauce and all seasonings.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In large bowl, combine cereals, bagel chips, pretzels, and nuts. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture. Stir gently so that all pieces are coated with butter mixture. Spread Chex mix in a large, un-greased baking pan with sides. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bake at 275 for 40 min., stirring mix every 10 min. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cool on paper towels. Store in airtight container. </span></li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>My Rating:</b></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5/5 (Can I really rate my own recipe? I guess I can. It's my blog, after all!)</span></div><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-69509781088942582422010-12-20T16:50:00.005-06:002010-12-20T17:12:37.278-06:00Boxed Eyelet Lace Stole<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Project:</b></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I found this pattern in the Early Fall 2010 issue of Vogue Knitting International magazine. I've knitted things with lacy elements in the designs before, but I've never made anything that was entirely worked in a lace pattern. This stole has a boxed eyelet lace pattern that the magazine aptly describes as "deceptively simple," with razor-point edging. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Materials:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Original Yarn:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alpaca With a Twist Fino in #2001 royal velvet</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Yarn I Used: </b><a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-fiber-alpaca/webs-knitting-yarns-plymouth-baby-alpaca-lace/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Lace #2020 burgundy</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>New Technique Used: Open Cast-On</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This stole uses an open cast-on so that you can go back and add the razor-point edging to the cast-on edge after finishing the edging on the other end of the stole. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Instructions on how to do the open cast-on from </b><a href="http://www.vogueknitting.com/pattern_help/how-to/beyond_the_basics/open_cast-on.aspx"><b>Vogue Knitting</b></a><b>:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TQ_geGYwneI/AAAAAAAAAcw/GWqif2GmAGU/s400/Picture%2B1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552903673286270434" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>My Progress So Far:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TQ_gyDRNf1I/AAAAAAAAAc4/kbWHBm86jME/s400/DSC03888.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552904016046686034" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Other Comments:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is my second try knitting this particular stole and my third try at knitting lace in general. The first time I started this stole, I left off of the pattern in the middle of a repeat and was never able to figure out where in the pattern I stopped (even though it's only a 5 row repeat). The other lace garment I started knitting just "didn't look anything like the picture" and I ended up having the same problem - I forgot where I left off in the pattern. Come to find out, lace knitting NEVER looks right until it's been finished and blocked. Go figure. I thought I was just bad at knitting lace. Hopefully this particular lace project will turn out well once I finish it....which might take a while, knowing me. </span></div><div><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-42804678985506989932010-12-10T17:39:00.009-06:002010-12-20T17:17:56.227-06:00Merry and Bright: Chunky Winter Scarf<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Project:</span></b><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I found this project in my new knitting book obsession: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Year-Make-Week-Projects-Quick/dp/1570764611">The Knitter's Year by Debbie Bliss</a>. It has 52 knitting projects that take around a week, organized by season. My rule for knitting books is that I won't buy the book unless there are more than 5 patterns in it that I would actually consider knitting (otherwise, I just check the books out of the public library to use the one pattern I need). This one had about 30 patterns that I actually wanted to knit. Think clothespin bags, door-draft stoppers, pencil cases, tote bags, and throw pillows in addition to the requisite scarf, hat, and mitten patterns. Love, love, love this book.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyways. The project. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This scarf is an Aran-style pattern of chevrons, seed stitch, and bobbles knitted in a chunky yarn. The pattern has a 16 stitch repeat and is actually very simple. I think that it would be a great pattern for someone who was new to cable knitting and who wanted to learn how to use a cable needle. </span></div><div><br /><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TQK6pk2hWoI/AAAAAAAAAcY/CTfolBBVXro/s320/Picture%2B3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549202914303629954" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Materials:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Yarn:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">as a substitute for the yarn used in the pattern (Debbie Bliss Como), I used Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande in a beautiful bright </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">RED</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Needles:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">size 10 (I sized down a bit, because the yarn I used is less bulky than the original yarn.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My Progress So Far:</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TQ_cCoJ-LoI/AAAAAAAAAcg/q5lEY7DYBEg/s400/DSC03883.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552898803268202114" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Close-up of the Pattern:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TQ_cCySVvNI/AAAAAAAAAco/LKOlarZr55c/s400/DSC03886.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552898805987654866" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Other Comments:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since starting this scarf, I've finished about 2/3 of it....and started working on a lace stole. I now have 2/3 of a scarf and 1/10 of a stole. Fail. Good thing I finished knitting my mom's Christmas scarf months ago (and successfully fibbed when she saw me knitting it: "No, this isn't for you! It's for me! You don't like that many colors..."). I gave her the "My So-Called Scarf" featured in a previous post. Very tricky of me. (And yes, I made her open her present early. It's only cold enough for scarves in Louisiana for about 2 months out of the year, so I wanted her to be able to use the scarf for more than a month.) This lovely red scarf, on the other hand, is actually for me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To Nancy Ketner: I'm so impressed that you check my blog every day for updates. I apologize for not being as consistent in my posting as you are in your blog reading! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-92159531442482676362010-12-10T17:30:00.003-06:002010-12-20T16:50:02.436-06:00I'm Back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TQK5btfrlFI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/iQ9t8pJ1tos/s1600/Picture%2B1.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 245px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TQK5btfrlFI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/iQ9t8pJ1tos/s400/Picture%2B1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549201576593953874" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finals are over - let the holiday crafting begin!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Don't worry, I stole this picture from <a href="http://kennethbrowndesign.com/kbd_main/combined_articles/P10/">another website</a>. My apartment isn't this messy.)</span><br /><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-52222729730536093852010-11-11T08:28:00.024-06:002010-11-15T13:03:04.109-06:00No-Sew LSU Fleece Blanket<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Project:</span></b><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My parents won an LSU fleece blanket as part of an LSU game-day gift package in a silent auction. I've been using it to keep warm when studying, and it occurred to me the other day that this is something I could actually make. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">An LSU Law student was recently involved in a serious accident and remains hospitalized in Baton Rouge. His family is currently camping out in the waiting room on his floor. I know what it's like to be the family in the waiting room from experience with my Aunt Earleen's multiple hospitalizations. Waiting rooms are cold and unwelcoming. Therefore, I've decided to make one of these LSU fleece blankets for the student's family in the hopes that it will help keep them warm and keep up their spirits.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I figured out how to make the blanket simply by looking at the one that I already had. The "directions" I've provided below explain the method I used. (I put the word "directions" in obnoxious little quotation marks because these directions make the process seem MUCH more complicated than it actually is.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Materials:</span></b></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 and 2/3 yards LSU fleece fabric in color #1 (bought at Hobby Lobby)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 and 2/3 yards LSU fleece fabric in color #2 (bought at Hobby Lobby)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pattern cutting board (one of those cardboard things)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fabric scissors</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pins</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 yards grosgrain ribbon in purple or gold (to tie around the completed blanket)</span></li></ul><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TOF4jY1spKI/AAAAAAAAAbo/8_fWr4l1mHI/s400/DSC03858.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539841566000850082" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Process:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Directions:</span></b></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cut off any fabric that doesn't have the actual design on it. (The LSU fabric I bought had a trademark disclaimer printed along one side of the fabric and another odd edge that was ugly and needed to be removed.)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Place one piece of fabric, wrong-side up and right-side down, on the pattern board. Place the second piece of fabric, wrong-side down and right-side up, on top of the first piece of fabric.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pick one of the straightest edges, hold the two fabric edges together, and pin both pieces of fabric together at the edge. Leave a couple of inches between the pins and the edge. Repeat on the other 3 sides. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Using the pattern board as a guide, cut along all 4 edges to make the edges of the two pieces of fabric even with one another.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Line up one corner of the blanket with the corner of the pattern board and the edge of the fabric along the bottom line of the pattern board. Pin fabric in place on board. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Measure 7 inches from the corner along each edge of the blanket. Mark with a pin on each side. Measure 6 inches vertically (into the body of the blanket) from the pin on the bottom edge, and cut a straight 6-inch line. (I refer to the "edge" side of this cut as the "beginning" of the cut and the place where the cut ends as the "end" of the cut.)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Measure 6 inches horizontally from the side edge of the blanket (into the body of the blanket), and cut a straight 6-inch line. You should end up with 2 straight cuts at a right angle, with about a 1-inch gap between the ends of the cuts. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Snip the corner of the fabric so that there is no longer a point. The snipped corner should measure about 1 inch. This will be the width of the first piece of fringe. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cut a diagonal line from one end of the snipped corner to the end of the closest 6-inch cut. Cut a second diagonal line from the other end of the snipped corner to the end of the closest 6-inch cut. You'll end up with 2 little triangles cut out of the corner and one really long, diagonal piece of fringe. Cut that long piece of fringe to a 6-inch length. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Along the bottom edge of the blanket, cut parallel 6-inch long pieces of fringe that are about 1 inch in width. Stop cutting fringe when 7 inches away from the next corner. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tie a knot in each piece of fringe, close to the body of the blanket.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Repeat "corner" process and "fringe-making" process until all 4 edges of the blanket are fringed.<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TOGDOHH9VbI/AAAAAAAAAcI/1fQJr3YKREo/s200/Picture%2B2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539853295096255922" /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fold blanket. Tie ribbon around blanket and end in a pretty bow.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Use leftover fabric and pins to create a voodoo doll of Margaret (so you can torture me for writing overly-detailed, 13-step directions to explain such an easy craft). </i></b></span></li></ol></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Illustrations:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>How the knots in the fringe look:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TOF7HceV7OI/AAAAAAAAAcA/csxCP50WoQ0/s400/DSC03859.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539844384475180258" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Making the corner at the end of a fringe row. This is how the corner looks once one of the little triangles has been cut out:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TOF4jjoOBpI/AAAAAAAAAbw/l4Rn_StP8gU/s400/DSC03860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539841568897107602" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Finished Project:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Picture coming soon. This close to finals, craft photography isn't high on my list of priorities.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Also, when I do finally post the picture of the blanket, it will be sans ribbon. I tried decorating the ribbon with some fabric puff paint. It looked great at first, but then I got too enthusiastic with the puff paint. The ribbon ended up looking tacky, and I don't have time to go get a new ribbon before bringing the blanket to the hospital on Thursday (11/18). Oh well.)</span></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-596787629417569292010-10-26T22:56:00.007-05:002010-12-21T11:23:45.945-06:00Recipe: Pesto-Chicken Pasta Casserole<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Description</b></span>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">combine lots of yummy pre-prepared ingredients in a bowl, bake as a casserole, and prepare for recipe requests!</span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Servings:</b></span> 6<br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8 oz. pasta (Recipe called for penne; I used bow-tie. I boil pasta ahead of time and freeze in 8 oz. portions for re-heating and use)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 c. cooked chicken (I bought a hot rotisserie chicken from Walmart, removed the skin, and tore the meat into small pieces/strips/chunks)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 c. (8 oz.) shredded Italian cheese blend (I used an Italian 3-cheese blend from Whole Foods)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1.5 c. fresh baby spinach</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 of a (15 oz.) can crushed tomatoes</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 of a (15 oz.) jar prepared Alfredo sauce (I used a light Alfredo I found at Walmart)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/4 c. 2% milk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 of a (8.1 oz.) jar prepared pesto</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/4 c. seasoned bread crumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning mixed in)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1.5 tsp. olive oil (I used Monjuni's seasoned olive oil)</span></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Preheat oven to 350.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cook pasta according to package directions.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Meanwhile, combine in a large bowl: chicken, cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, milk, and pesto.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Drain pasta and add to chicken mixture; toss to coat. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Transfer to a greased 8-inch square baking dish.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cover and bake at 350 for 40-45 min or until bubbly.</span></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>My Rating:</b></span> 5/5 - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">you can't beat pesto, cheese, alfredo, and pasta; the spinach and tomatoes trick you into thinking it's healthy. I'm very sad that I only have 1 serving of this casserole left. </span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Note: </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">recipe can be easily doubled to make 2 casseroles. An unbaked casserole may be frozen for up to 3 months, thawed in fridge overnight, and baked covered at 350 for 50-60 min until bubbly. </span></div></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-59578692492631549912010-10-25T13:12:00.018-05:002010-10-26T22:54:02.742-05:00Wedding Record<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>The Project: </b></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When people get married, they like to make a record of it. These records are sometimes cross-stitched by friends like me, who enjoy doing crafts with teeny tiny details. Since this particular piece is a gift for someone, I wasn't sure if I could post it on here without ruining the surprise.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then it occurred to me: there are a lot of people I know who are getting married. It could be for any of those people. I don't have to say who the gift is for! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I like this design for a "wedding record" because it uses a limited color scheme, has lots and lots of details, and lacks the cheesy sayings so often used in these patterns.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Materials:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Pattern<br />- Floss colors specified in pattern<br />- Kreinik metallics blending filaments in: gold and pearl</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Fabric????</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here's where I ran into a problem. The pattern calls for a certain color (which is no longer sold) of 32-count fabric from Zweigart, on which the design will be stitched "over-two." The finished design will be about 10" x 8.75." Just the design. Not the design in a frame. The design. That's about the size of a sheet of computer paper - pretty big for a piece of needlework displaying a wedding date and the names of the couple. I wanted to make the design smaller.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The 32-count fabric that I bought created giant stitches when done "over-two" and miniscule stitches when done "over-one." That wasn't going to work. I tried several different fabrics, finally settling on an 18-count cream aida and over-one stitching. I have to come up with a way to make the white designs stand out more on the lighter fabric, but hopefully the finished product will end up being a reasonable size. (It seems like it will fit in an 8x10 frame.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>What I Changed:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t's usually best to follow the pattern in cross stitch designs, so I'm not making any significant variations. However, I am adding some extra detailing to make the design even more elegant.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For example, I want to incorporate some of the stitches I learned in working on my (still unfinished) whitework ornament. I am also making use of my two Kreinik blending filament sets (silver and gold). I have tiny needlework beads in both gold and cream, and I plan on adding those in at strategic places in the design. I've added gold blending filament to one color used in the wedding rings and "pearl" blending filament to give shine to the white flower petals and make them more distinct from the white scrollwork designs.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Random Comments: Hanno??</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My first thought when I saw the example design displayed on the front of the pattern: What kind of a name is Hanno? Why not use the generic "John"? Or even something like George? Or Fred? Or Ed? (Ok, you get the idea...)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I mentioned this to my friend, Margaret M., (I'm not talking about myself in the 3rd person, I promise) who suggested that we look up the meaning of the name Hanno. Turns out it's a German version of... "John." Go figure. They DID use John. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 298px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TMXVIUHhqvI/AAAAAAAAAbI/QrW2OfByZ6g/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532062056110467826" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My progress so far:</b></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TMebJuwd6VI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/9xX1f2xW61g/s400/DSC03821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532561258720389458" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Metallic cross-hatch:</b></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TMebJ5XYlsI/AAAAAAAAAbY/pVUqDJl-EqE/s400/DSC03822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532561261567973058" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Metallic details on the wedding rings:</b></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TMebmfphfYI/AAAAAAAAAbg/gDO0MuyYZWM/s400/DSC03820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532561752880938370" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-82378490075297473162010-10-17T15:53:00.003-05:002010-10-17T15:56:46.838-05:00Previously Completed Project: Old World MapI worked on this giant map of the world VERY sporadically over the course of 3 years. I finally finished it over the summer this year. Thought I'd share it with you.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLtiuDyOCoI/AAAAAAAAAaM/V0nwBM_3BSQ/s400/DSC03767.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529121510956862082" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLtixRw1yxI/AAAAAAAAAak/lW8YIJmjpEE/s1600/DSC03770.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLtixRw1yxI/AAAAAAAAAak/lW8YIJmjpEE/s400/DSC03770.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529121566248782610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLtiwSnwe5I/AAAAAAAAAac/N7ARKK5TmII/s1600/DSC03769.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLtiwSnwe5I/AAAAAAAAAac/N7ARKK5TmII/s400/DSC03769.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529121549299252114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLtivqqCZhI/AAAAAAAAAaU/XUPXxDUh07M/s1600/DSC03768.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLtivqqCZhI/AAAAAAAAAaU/XUPXxDUh07M/s400/DSC03768.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529121538571396626" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-10930199679608575362010-10-13T17:58:00.004-05:002010-10-13T18:04:14.985-05:00Recipe: French Crockpot Roast<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Description:</b></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">flavorful and hearty, with only 5 ingredients and absolutely no prep time, this is one of my favorite no-brainer recipes!</span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3-4 lb. chuck roast, visible fat trimmed</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3-4 c. sliced fresh mushrooms (I use pre-sliced mushrooms or an egg slicer to cut whole mushrooms)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 c. red wine (I use cabernet)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 pkg. McCormick brown gravy mix</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 pkg. Lipton onion soup mix</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wash and dry roast; trim large visible fat and place in crockpot.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mix together gravy and onion mixes; sprinkle over roast. Pour wine over roast. Top with mushrooms. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cook in crockpot on low for 8 hours.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Can serve with cooked rice</span></li></ol><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My Rating:</span></b> 4/5</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Shortcut:</b></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I use plastic "slow cooker liners" in my crock pot. When the dish is done, you throw away the liner and have minimal cleanup to do after the meal. </span></div></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-35216874728300407522010-10-13T17:35:00.003-05:002010-10-13T17:56:58.439-05:00Recipe: Taco "Twists"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've decided to add recipes to my blog. Why? I like to cook, and I like to eat. Because I have so little time for cooking, I especially like to cook recipes that require minimal effort/preparation. Other people probably have the same problem. So, I'm going to share some of my favorite "lazy chef" recipes. </span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Taco "Twists"</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Description: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Is it a taco? Is it a crescent roll? Nope, it's BOTH!</span></span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Servings:</b></span> 12</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 lb lean ground beef</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 1/3 c. frozen chopped onion (Pictsweet) (or 1 large onion, chopped)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 c. (8 oz.) finely shredded cheddar cheese</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 c. salsa (I used Pace mild chunky salsa)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 pkg. Taco Bell Taco seasoning</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3 (8 oz.) tubes refrigerated crescent rolls</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">spray butter (opt.)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Progresso plain bread crumbs (opt.)</span></li></ul><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></b></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In large skillet, cook meat and onion over med. heat until no longer pink. When meat is almost brown, sprinkle taco seasoning on top and stir in as you finish browning the meat. (At this point, cooked meat can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before finishing the preparation.)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stir cheese, salsa, and chiles into beef. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into 12 rectangles. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Press perforations to seal.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Place a little less than 1/2 c. of the beef mixture into the center of each rectangle. Bring 4 corners of the dough to the center and twist; pinch to seal. Pinch all open seams together to seal.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If desired, immediately prior to baking, spray the top of each twist with butter and sprinkle with bread crumbs.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bake at 350 for 25-30 min until golden brown.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Baked twists can be frozen for up to 3 months. To use frozen twists, bake on ungreased baking sheet at 350 for 20-25 min until heated through. </span></li></ol><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My rating:</span></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4/5; really tasty and convenient; definitely a keeper. </span></div></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-19352884678707351472010-10-06T13:24:00.004-05:002010-10-13T18:31:55.549-05:00My So-Called Scarf<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Project:</b></span><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A scarf knitted from a free pattern I found online. Another great pattern for multicolored yarns - the cross-hatch stitch pattern really shows off the color changes. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Materials:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 skeins of Punta merisoft hand painted yarn in HP71. LOVE. THIS. YARN.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Other comments:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nothing much to say about this scarf. It was easy and fun to knit, and it knitted up pretty quickly. I love how it turned out! A great scarf for fall.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The finished project:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLZBFwTiMoI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/iOJh_nxYOtk/s400/DSC03755.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527677159765848706" /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLZBGpA1xJI/AAAAAAAAAaE/HvurOFSqJa0/s400/DSC03760.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527677174988260498" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLZBGQcezdI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/QXJuTnHWQSE/s400/DSC03758.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527677168393309650" /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-29314628699780833942010-10-06T13:05:00.015-05:002010-10-13T18:25:04.525-05:00"Garterrific" Scarf<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>The Project</b></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The </span><a href="http://presentsknits.blogspot.com/2010/03/free-pattern-garterrific.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the designer's online instructions</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> are very sufficient to explain how to make this scarf. The only ambiguity in them really is which method of "make one" to use.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I actually used two different methods: when a triangle side was slanti</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ng to the right, I made a right-leaning increase; when a triangle side was slanting to the left, I made a left-leaning increase. So, I'd make a left-leaning increase at the end of a row and right before turning the work, but after turning the work I'd begin the next row with a right-leaning increase (because the side switched from left-leaning to right-leaning when the work was turned).</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Materials</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I used the exact same yarn that she did (Punta Yarns Merisoft in hand painted color 71, purchased at Knits by Nana).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I loved, loved, LOVED knitting with this yarn. It has so many different colors but somehow still manages to not look wild and ridiculous - most of the colors in the yarn are softened or muted rather than vivid and bright. Such a lovely use of color. I commend the designer of this project for finding an interesting way of displaying the yarn's colors without detracting from its beauty by an overly ornate stitch pattern. Bravo! The tassels, the triangular shape of the scarf, and the single band of yarn-overs in the middle of the triangle are exactly the kind of details that make a colorful piece visually interesting without being overwhelming.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>What I Changed</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When binding off, I left two stitches on the needle and used them to make a simple, 2-stitch i-cord. I didn't make the cord very long, just long enough so that the tassel on one side of the triangle would be farther from the corner of the scarf than the other. The reasons I did this were to make the scarf easier to put on and keep on and to make more tassels visible from the front when wearing it.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>The Finished Product:</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLY_Ao_b5HI/AAAAAAAAAZc/90nTNH9gBlc/s400/DSC03761.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527674872879899762" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLY_NWB2M8I/AAAAAAAAAZk/czh-E6YlplI/s400/DSC03763.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527675091128038338" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLY_NiKxebI/AAAAAAAAAZs/gaLVxcm-xF0/s400/DSC03762.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527675094386702770" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-35403509093492445782010-10-06T12:52:00.005-05:002010-10-13T18:19:09.334-05:00Patchwork Wrap: Fringe Fixes, Alterations, and the Finished Product<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Fringe Fixes</b></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The last time I wrote about the fringe on this wrap, I was faced with a dilemma: more fringe to make than yarn to make it with. The fringe really adds something special to the wrap, so I didn't want to shorten its length. The solution I chose, therefore, was to alternate colors in the fringe border when one of the edge squares was knit in a color I was running low on.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The fringe for each edge square is crocheted in the same color as the half-square that forms the edge. Originally, I tried crocheting the alternating-color fringe by just picking a random color to mix in with the edge color. I decided that this made the fringe look a little clownish and ultimately alternated the edge square color with the color comprising the other half of that square. (I realize that this is a really awkward explanation - it's hard to explain.) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here's a picture of a square that has alternating-color fringe, so maybe you can figure out what I'm talking about</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLY-L7fIDjI/AAAAAAAAAY8/paX3cGYZaPc/s400/DSC03765.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527673967311588914" /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Alterations</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After crocheting fringe around both short edges and one long edge of the wrap, I thought that the wrap was complete. Then I tried it on. I looked like I'd fallen asleep on the couch, woken up late, and ran out the door wearing my afghan. The word "babushka" also came to mind. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The long sides of the wrap were....too long. Fortunately, my parents came in town and I was able to get their opinion on the length of the wrap. They agreed that it was enormous. To make the wrap more wearable, I removed 2 rows of squares from it, shortening it about 8 inches. It's now long enough to wrap around me but short enough so that I won't be fumbling with too much excess fabric.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Finished Product</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TLY-BNmk9wI/AAAAAAAAAY0/DP2-GK20fS8/s400/DSC03764.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527673783196120834" /></div><div><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-88153188367614866732010-10-06T12:39:00.003-05:002010-10-06T12:51:46.078-05:00Inconsistency, Thy Name is Margaret<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Real life has been demanding a little more of my time than usual lately. I'll update the blog later this week, since we don't have class on Thursday or Friday. (Thank. Goodness.)</span><div><br /></div><div><b>For my few and faithful readers, here's a quick update on my various projects (posts and pics are coming soon):</b></div><div><ul><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Patchwork wrap: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">finished the fringe, ended up removing 2 rows of squares to make the garment more wear-able (and less like an afghan), and finally finished.</span></li><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Garterrific" scarf:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> finished! I added a little i-cord to connect one of the tassels and have already worn it to class.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>My So-Called Scarf: </b>started with the leftover yarn from the "Garterrific" scarf, but had to buy a second hank. Still a work-in-progress.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>Box Lace Stole: </b>started, but I'm only 3.5 pattern repeats in (and the stole has 100 of them). Learned how to work an open cast-on</span></li></ul></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7396890830326459087.post-27262089879412835182010-09-29T08:33:00.006-05:002010-09-29T12:10:09.927-05:00OMG: I *MUST* Make ThisI found a knitting pattern for the most beautiful jacket in Vogue Knitting International magazine.<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 208px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TKND6q0zemI/AAAAAAAAAYk/tivwPYlU88A/s400/VKF10_12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522332243293600354" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_knrnKu7Zu1s/TKND6tanZZI/AAAAAAAAAYs/5xNJ0N3_bvU/s400/VKF10_12D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522332243989063058" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Reasons why making this jacket is absolutely necessary:</span></span><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's knit in Classic Elite La Gran mohair, which is fabulous and relatively affordable</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It has a kind of snowy owl/Native American feel to it</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It combines my two favorite colors: light blue and white</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's colorwork knitting, which is my new "thing" this year</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was designed by a Project Runway winner</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just wanna...</span></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The only problem is: I already have yarn for 2 other projects on my to-do list. Curses. I've been trying to ban myself from buying materials for new projects long before I'll be able to use them. If I buy the yarn for this project now, it will either sit around waiting to be knit OR the yarn I've bought for the 2 shawls I already want to knit will sit around. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Decisions, decisions. Do I dutifully begin knitting with the yarn I have already, or do I splurge on new yarn? </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15175014835563656441noreply@blogger.com0